Panama City

by Julie Blakley

Background

Panama City is the country’s capital and largest city, with a population of just over 1 million for the total metro area. Its skyscraper skyline and location at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal give the city more of a modern, urban feel than many other Central American cities. Strong American presence during the years in which the U.S. occupied the canal zone have also had a large impact and influence on the city. During and following WWII, there was an influx of American military personnel and civilians who moved to the city’s canal zone, which brought unprecedented levels of prosperity to the city. As a result, today Panama City is a modern and bustling city, with plenty to see and do for visitors. The entire country also uses American currency, which removes the hassle of trying to change money. From a hopping nightlife to touring the canal, the city offers a variety of activities for visitors.

While the city overlooks Panama Bay on the Pacific side, there are really no good beaches near the city. Still very much a developing country, Panama dumps raw sewage directly into the Bay, which makes it less than an ideal place to want to hang out. However, there are many great beaches not terribly far from the city, especially on the Caribbean side about an hour from the city. There is also a plethora of things to do in the urban center, and many historically interesting destinations. One place not to miss is Casco Viejo.

Things to Do

Experience some local flavor by hitting the bars and/or clubs where they’ll play plenty of Panamanian and American music and the drinks are cheap!

Tour the original ruins of Panama la Vieja where the city stood before it was burned by pirates in 1671

Go the the movies! There is a great, modern theater at Albrook Mall where you can watch the latest blockbusters in English for only $4. It’s a great way to escape a rainy Panama City day

Eat at local joints. Don’t be afraid of rustic looking places. They’ll serve you up a big plate of rice, beans and chicken/fish for about $3

Tour the Panama Canal

Visit Gamboa. You’ll need a car to get to this nature preserve just outside of the city, but if you get there early you’ll see howler monkeys, birds and other amazing wildlife

Stroll the narrow streets of Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, which means Old Quarter, is in fact the historically newer location of the city. The area is a must-see for visitors to Panama City. In 1671, a Welsh pirate name Henry Morgan attacked and looted Panama City, destroying the city in flames. In 1673, the city was rebuilt 5 miles southwest of the original city, where Casco Viejo now stands. Casco Viejo is full old romantic Spanish influenced buildings, many of which have deteriorated in the hot and humid conditions, but are now being renovated. In fact, the district is experiencing a revival of sorts today, with buildings being repaired and newer hotels, restaurants and stores popping up. Casco Viejo centers around Plaza de Independencia, where Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903. Construction that took over 100 years to complete on the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion began in 1688 and today the cathedral stands in the middle of the Plaza de Independencia. While the interior is rather plain compared to many of the impressive European cathedrals, the towers are inlaid with mother of pearl from the Perlas Islands off the Panama coast and there are some attractive stained glass windows and a marble altar.

Casco Viejo is best seen on foot, though tourists should be aware the area is not always the safest neighborhood in the city. Pick-pockets and theft is common around here, so be aware of your personal belongings and valuables while strolling the narrow streets in this area. Pay extra attention to your safety at night and avoid walking around the streets alone. However, with common sense and awareness, tourists should be fine in Casco Viejo and should take advantage of the sights and history this part of the city has to offer.

The Palacio de las Garzas (Palace of the Herons) is the presidential palace overlooking Panama Bay. While visitors are restricted from the palace and armed guards will quickly ask you to move along, it is worthwhile walking past and taking a peak in the courtyard. Casco Viejo is also home to a Vatican Embassy compound, which is where General Noriega took asylum after the U.S. invaded Panama to put him out of power in 1989. Unable to convince Noriega to give himself up despite various efforts, the U.S. famously forced Noriega out of the compound by blasting loud rock music 24-hours a day until Vatican officials, physiologically tormented, forced Noriega to surrender to the United States.

Where to Stay

There is a great hostel located in Casco Viejo and is probably your best bet if you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay in Panama City. Luna’s Castle, which was opened by three young American guys who also have a popular hostel in Bocas del Toro, is the perfect backpacker stop in Panama City. The Panama City hostel has all the necessary amenities, including a free pancake breakfast, a balcony overlooking the Pacific, guitars/boardgames/poker chips, a movie theater, free computers with internet access. At US$12 a night for a bed in a dorm style room, Luna’s Castle is an ideal pick for a visitor on a budget.

In addition to touring Casco Viejo, Panama City also offers tourists easy access to the Panama Canal, a discotheque crazy nightlife, and is a great jumping off point for tourists looking to explore other regions of Panama.